The picture on the left says it all and I hope that you have taken time out of your busy tournament year to give back to our next generation of anglers. We often times forget about what really started our love for fishing. It may have been a local angler, a family member or even a friend that took you fishing and got you started on your way to making memories on the water. I try and always take time to help young anglers to enjoy fishing. Many children look up to pro anglers and amateurs alike, they see that bassboat and their heart starts to race. The next time you see a youngster looking at your rig take time and talk with them, it may be the only positive image of their day! Make a good impression and represent what we as anglers are all about.

I have written on this subject several times but I believe that it is paramount for the future of the sport to teach our next generation about angling and the ethics that come with it. Think about how hard you prepare for a tournament. If we prepare ourselves half as much at being a positive parent and role model our future generation will exceed all of us! Help prepare our youth, get involved in your community and make a difference. Take a child fishing!

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Bassaholics has everything from T-Shirts to socks. Their unique designs are unlike any bass fishing gear on the market today and the Bassaholics name is all over the Pro Bass Fishing scene. With prices that are very reasonable and  extremely wide selection of products the Bassaholics line is sure to fit your on and off water needs! If you walk into Bass Pro with this gear on people are going to ask you were you got it. It is unique and eye catching! It is great for fishing tournaments as well. It provides you the angler with a style all your own.

Click Here for a few sample products from Bassaholics. If you like what you see contact us here at mggmb@aol.com FishingReelDealz.com will give you special discounts on Bassaholics Gear! Just send an email to the above address and tell us what Bassaholics gear you are interested in! We will do the rest and have it shipped to your door!

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It seems to never fail. Every trip to the lake I come home with a mound of used soft plastic baits with small tears or rips in them. I usually have no choice but to discard them. Not any more!

Mend-It is a new product that will save you hundreds maybe thousands of dollars on soft plastics. It is not a glue and will not stick to your boat, fingers or clothes. It only sticks to plastic. Mend-It actually melts the plastic back together leaving a smooth soft plastic bait for you to fish over and over again. Do you have any high dollar swimbaits that need repair after one fish? Just apply Mend-It to the swimbait tear and it is good as new! The repaired area is even stronger than before without leaving a hard spot or crease in the bait giving it the same action it had right out of the pack! Why mess with glue anymore?

I also am using mend it to create different color combinations by tearing two worms apart and “Mending” them together creating a unique new color scheme. For example, take a black senko and cut an inch off the tail. Then cut a inch of tail off a blue senko, mend-it together and you have a unique new bait to show the fish. A black senko with a blue tail. The possibilities are up to you! Get creative and save money!

Mend-It is available in the ReelDeal Shop! Click Here!

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The CoolFoot offers 1/4 inch of EVA foam for comfort and added traction. The CoolFoot is available in 14 different colors to match your rig. It is currently made for Minn Kota Maxxum trolling motors and Motor Guide Tour trolling motors. The installation process is as easy as tying on a new spinnerbait! Make sure your trolling motor pedal is clean, peel off the backing and apply to your trolling motor. Then enjoy the comfort and coolness your CoolFoot will give you!

For more information on the CoolFoot Click Here!

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Secret Weapons patented no tool, quick change spinner blade attachments and innovative designs make first generation, conventional spinnerbaits virtually obsolete.  

Success is literally just a snap away!

With the rise of today’s prices on everything from food to gas an angler really needs to be smart when purchasing new products. I am going to show you how to get five hundred spinnerbaits for less than ten cents per lure!

Normally reinventing the wheel is not worth the time and effort right? In this case I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Secret Weapon Lures has done just that with their revolutionary new spinnerbait design. Are you aware that over 12 million black bass are caught each year on safty pin style spinnerbaits. Many anglers carry dozens of different spinnerbait sizes and combinations so they will be ready for any condition. How would you like to carry 500 spinnerbaits in one box? Secret Weapons patented no tool, quick change spinner blade attachments and innovative designs make first generation, conventional spinnerbaits virtually obsolete.

Secret Weapon has two different styles of spinnerbaits the QuickStrike Spinnerbait and the SideArm Spinnerbait. The QuickStrike has five different weight choices 3/16, 5/16, 9/16, 11/16, 13/16. As the SideArm has three 3/16, 5/16, 9/16. Each of these spinnerbaits can be altered at any time on or off the water. You can replace blade configurations in seconds and skirt combinations in a flash. For example, if you are fishing a QuickStrike Bleeding minnow spinnerbait with a gold blade and the baitfish seem to be silver you can switch the blade on your Quickstrike to silver without tools or time wasting swivels. Success is literally just a snap away!

Secret Weapon Lures also have combined flash with the buzzbait by adding a clip on blade to give your buzzbait added attraction. Bass will zero in on the flashing blade behind the buzz blade. This will definitely increase your hookups by making the fish strike closer to the extra wide gap mustad hook that come on these new Secret Weapon BuzzRbaits! Just for added measure all the BuzzRbaits come standard with a 3/0 mustad trailer hook so you can remedy those slashing strikes! The BuzzRbait comes in three sizes 3/16, 5/16, 9/16.

Now at the beginning of this article I said I would show you how to get 500 spinnerbaits for less than 10 cents per lure right? It is called a Secret Weapon Tackle Pack. There are 9 different tackle packs to choose from and they all serve a special purpose from clear water tackle packs to stained water tackle packs. You can even get a BuzzRbait and SideArm Spinnerbait tackle pack. All of these Secret weapon tackle packs include at least 500 different combinations of spinnerbaits for you to choose from with one pack offering 5,000 spinnerbait and buzzbait combinations. Now that beats buying spinnerbaits at the local tackle shop for $5 to $10 dollars a pop!

Make plans to check out FishingReelDealz.com on May 1st. This will be the day we open the shop for you to be able to purchase the Secret Weapon Lures.

Tightlines,

Matt

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The Gitem Sugar is a bait that I go to when the fish are being pressured or the weather throws me a curve. When the bite is tough this bait only gets better. This bait fishes well around any type of grass or even thick mats. It is designed to slide easily through cover and still have an appealing look to the bass. Many tournaments here in central Florida are being won on this little beaver style bait. The Gitem Sugar also puts out the Gitem formula that actually leaves a slick behind the bait that bass will key in on. Once a bass bites he will not let go! Many times prefishing it is hard to shake off a fish that bites a Gitem product. They just want to eat it!

You can check these baits out at www.GitemBaits.com and don’t forget to tell them Matt sent ya!

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 Before my last tournament I visited the lake three different times before the off limits period. In each of those three trips I managed to catch only one bass. That may sound like a real failure to some but to me it was a positive sign that I was eliminating useless water. Pre fishing to me is a matter of being able to learn from what the water throws at you and sometimes it throws nothing! That to can be very valuable in the process of finding a bag of fish.

As I launched my boat on the official practice day before the tournament I remembered the three previous trips and how the bass had handed me a good butt kicking. I smiled and said to myself, “Not today”. I then ran to my first spot a whole 1/2 mile from the luanch where I believed the better fish were holding. This area held a thick mat of hydrilla and under that hydrilla was a sharp drop from 2ft to 6ft. This type of water and cover was abundant throughout the river but many overlooked the small cove so close to the launch. This area also held large amounts of baitfish and fry from the spawn and during the mid day hours it had plenty of shade from the nearby Oaks.

I started the day at about 10:30 throwing a Gitem Toad to the mats. This resulted in a 4.lber right off the bat. Two more casts another big fish busts on the frog. That gives me all the knowledge I will need for that spot. I now know that by using the frog as a search bait I can catch these fish flipping those mats. I left the fish to be for the next day and found a secondary location of the same type vegetation. It also produced. Then for good measure I went looking for fish in the headwaters where I found a plethora of small keeper size fish in case I needed them.

On tournament day I caught those fish under the mats by flipping. A solid limit and six place finish. My point being do not let so called bad days on the water discourage you from maintaining focus on finding fish. If you want to make it in tournament fishing you have to be willing to learn non stop! Never give up!

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Sounds like Rick Morris really wacked’em on Falcon this day. Go to the forum and vote for who you believe will win the Lone Star Shootout. Many pro’s are catching 5 fish limit’s in practice that are weighing over 40lbs. with one bag estimated at 52lbs! I can not wait for this tournament we are going to see some huge bass and maybe some new record holders!

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You see many awesome things while on the water giving you just one more reason to venture out the next day. Even when the fishing is tough and the bite is slow keep in mind all the wonderful things that have fueled you to the point you are at in that moment. Blessed is the word that comes to my mind. We as Americans are very fortunate to be enjoying the great sport of bass fishing! Help keep our water ways clean and replenished for the next generation.

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 TailWalker has introduced a topwater lure that actually looks and acts like a baitfish. With the design of the bait you get natural action that will trigger more and better bites. The design and components of the lure is also top notch. With ultra sharp VMC hooks, holographic design, stainless steel eyes, soft molded eyes that give the bait a very natural look and the patented tail design the Tailwalker topwater bait is a must have for any serious angler.

These lures were a success with the North American Fisherman where 335 members from 39 states field tested the Tailwalker Lures with great success. Some even stating the lure would get 50% more bites than any other topwater bait they used! If you fish for largemouth, smallmouth, northern pike, or even the saltwater species such as redfish, trout and snook the TailWalker topwater lure will produce! These awesome topwater baits come in 12 different fish catchin’ colors and comes in a 4 3/4 inch size weighing in at only a 1/2 oz. These lures all come in a hard plastic box and are double coated in automotive clear coat for maximum durability!

These lures were designed by Jerry Schlueter, owner of TailWalker Lures and a avid bass fisherman for over 25 years. Many great anglers line the Pro Staff for Tailwalker including Dan Rodlund, Kerry Kruep, Greg Dishman, David Burke and Bill Beck with experienced anglers like this it is a sure bet that Tailwalker belongs in your tackle box!

 When you check out TailWalker Lures tell them FishingReelDealz sent you!

Keywords:  TailWalker Lures  |  North American Fisherman 

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Before packing the first rod into the truck you need to make a list and check it twice! There are many essentials you need to help you on your day such as a life jacket, sun screen, quality sun glasses, clothing that fits the forecast. These are just a few small things that can be easily forgotten. My suggestion is to make a master list of the things you will need for each tournament you fish, then you can add to it from there to fit the lake and the weather conditions.

If you are like me you carry to much tackle. If there is such a thing? This can be a hindrance to you when fishing as a co-angler if you are not careful. Try and pack the things you will truly need, then if you have room pack some extras. Many pros or boaters will let you use some of their tackle but you need to provide as much of your own as possible. Go prepared but be courteous to the boater and carry only what you need. Make sure you are very well organized when packing your tackle for a tournament. This will help save room and make it easier to find the right bait when you need it.

Be prepared to adapt to the surrounding area as far as license and rules of the water you will be fishing. Many states are different when it comes to local laws. Also be prepared at the pre tournament meeting. Take along a pen and paper to write down any pertinent information regarding the tournament you are fishing. Make sure you communicate well with the boater to make sure you are on the same page for meeting up and preparing for the day of fishing.

Finally show some angler etiquette when fishing as a co-angler. Many pros or boaters pay a higher entry fee and use their winnings to pay the bills! Let them have first shot at where they want to fish but if you have a area located where you know fish are always tell the boater about it. They are usually very open minded about this. Always offer gas money to the boater, in today’s economy it is just a great show of courtesy. Even $20 will be a help when the boater fills up. Also be respectful of their water and make smart casts. If you see a pro or boater miss a fish don’t trow in the same spot. This is very disrespectful. When alot of money is on the line play fair and be a smart courteous co-angler.

I hope you got something out of this and can use it to better your skills at co-angling. Many fisherman have turned pro from the back of the boat! Maybe you will to!

Keywords:  Co-Angler   

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No fish were harmed in the making of this video.

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Please click on the forum button at the top of the page and sign up to win! Look for the section named “General” this is where you will make your prediction! You will actually be put into a drawing for a new Pinnacle Reel just for signing up for the forum! Then once you have made your selection as to which angler you believe will take home the title of the next Elite Series event you will be entered to win a prize packfrom FishingReelDealz! All you have to do is correctly pick the winner of the tournament so study up on who you think will come out on top!

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The final three Elite series stops should really shake down the angler of the year race and cap off the year with what I believe will be the best season yet!

The Mississippi River will host this years “River Rumble” and what looks like an exciting shallow water battle. Look for Denny Brauer to fair well here if the jig bite is on in the backs of creeks and along the shoreline lay downs. Eelgrass and logs should be great places to catch quality fish. Spinnerbaits and shallow water crankbaits should also be a great choice here. I personally think that a shallow crankbait could win this thing given the right conditions. Look for Skeet to be strong and never count out the Hack Attack!

Lake Erie/Niagara River should be a drop shot circus for the pros at this time of year! I really hope they get to experience great weather with limited wind so the fishery can really render the giant smallmouth it is known for. Look for the pros to congregate in the eastern portion of the lake. This area is historically known for producing better than average bronzebacks. Drop shots, tube jigs, jerkbaits and jigs should really load the pros boats for this event. I believe the tournament will be won on a drop shot, jig combination pattern. My pick is Kota Kiriyama because of his extensive knowledge with the drop shot rig. Of course last years champ Edwin Evers may make some waves in this event as well. It will be a battle of who finds the schools of big fish not just keeper size fish.

Oneida Lake will be where we crown our 2008 Angler Of the Year. This tournament will be a battle of quality versus quantity. Many anglers in previous years caught as many as fifty smallmouth a day but the pros that targeted the largemouth got fewer bites but caught bigger fish. Just ask Tommy Biffle! I still think this tournament will be won shallow with the largemouth and not deep with the smallies. I may be crazy but I am taking The G-Man Gerald Swindle at this year ending event but look out for Ike he likes to finish strong and as he will tell you, never give up!

As I said in my last article I would predict an angler of the year, so here you go!

Mike Iaconelli

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We know it is time to get ready for the upcoming season so stock up now while this offer lasts! We are still offering the already discounted prices PLUS the extra 10% off all orders! This offer includes any Pinnacle reel you see in our shop. You can get a 13 ball bearing all metal Vision XLT reel for $119.00 then take an extra 10% off that price, then include the free shipping!!! You can not go wrong with this deal!

Here at FishingReelDealz we promise to offer you the best dealz on new reels anywhere!

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Alton Jones uses boat control to catch fish on deep diving crankbaits as well as anyone in the bass fishing world! He is a 9 time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and has helped shape the sport to where it is today. Try and use these helpful tips the next time you find yourself searching for guidance on the water. I am always searching for a better way to catch fish and little pieces of advice like this can really add up to making you a well rounded angler.

Deep diving crankbaits are not everyones strenght but look outside the box and focus on the real message here, boat control and the position of the fish. You can take this advice and utilize it with other techniques that better suit your fishing style. Be creative to catch more fish and do not be afraid to think outside the box.

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Please sign up today it is easy! Go to the top of this page and click on forum, then register, that automatically puts your name in the drawing for a new Pinnacle Baitcast Reel! Last month we gave away our first reel to a lucky forum member who signed up and started posting great information on fishing. If you like to share your pictures we have a “Lunker Club” for you to show us your best catches! If you are a tournament angler we have a special section just for you! Do your part and join the forum and get involved in a great fishing community.

If you are a hunter, we have a great section for you to post about hunting techniques and trips you have taken along with an area to post pictures of your best harvests! We also have a section for you to post your classified ads. Check out the forum today and get signed up!

 “I joined the forum not to long ago and it has really helped me to gain knowledge and to share tips and techniques with other great anglers. I would recommend this fishing community to everyone regardless of your skill level. There are not many places you can sign up on the Internet and truly be around great fishing and hunting friends! Plus have a chance to get a free reel!”

T-Rigged- Forum Member

The next drawing will be the last week in February!

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Clarks Hill will be an interesting event. Will the Savannah river impoundment be conquered by a jig again like Mike McClelland showed us last year? Everyone thought the tournament would come down to who could best find the schools of bass feeding on blue back herring. I believe this year the jig will again play a huge role but you better have a topwater bait at ready! The tributary arms such as Big Branch may be key locations for the elite pros and look for Dean Rojas to be scoring big with “Kermit” if the conditions will allow. This should be a great tournament and I believe this years winner will be someone you may not always hear of. If the blue back herring are in full migration, look out for some big catches!

Lake Murray seems to always yield big bags of bass! This lake has everything big bass dream of. You will find everything from boat docks to hydrilla in this awesome Carolina fishery and look for spinnerbaits and jigs to put some big bass on the scales. Although Alton Jones and Tommy Biffle have put up impressive wins here in the past I believe some of the new young guns will shine through on this event! This should be a great tournament for the pros to really show their diversity and also to show that multiple patterns can prevail.

Wheeler Lake, Decatur Alabama is a great spot to host a early June tournament and look for their to be some hot action to go with the hot temperatures. The creek channels will probably play the biggest role here and I believe it will be a great time to catch quality fish on the dreaded drop-shot rig. Look for Edwin Evers to be strong at this event and for one second do not count out the local Pros, guys like Swindle, Remitz, Martens and Howell. Local knowledge could be huge in finding the right fish on the channels and points. Hopefully we will get to see some great mixed bags of smallmouth and largemouth.

Kentucky Lake, Hope you like to cathem’ on a crankbait! Look out for the top crankbait fisherman to be strong here. Timmy Horton and Jason Quinn should have good showings as they are very strong crankers. If the bass are late to move to the deeper ledges then the boat dock bite should be on! This should be strong for the pitching and flipping bite. I believe the action will be hot in some areas and dead in the others. We will see who figures out the best pattern. I cannot wait for this tournament.

In the next article we will take a look at the last leg of the Elite Series Trail and give our predictions for angler of the year!

Keywords:  Bassmaster Elite Pros  |  Kentucky Lake 

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It all starts in South Carolina with the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell. Even though the water levels are going to be low Lake Hartwell still has many miles for the Bassmaster Pros to cover. Hopefully for the pros the big females will be moving up to prespawn which will put them in a depth of 10-14 feet. Perfect for crankbaits and jigs. The outlook is good for big bags of fish on Hartwell, maybe a record setting event?

The first stop on the Elite Series will be the often times tough Harris Chain of Lakes. This Chain consists of nine lakes but only six of them usually come into play. The Harris Chain can be dynamite one day and dead the next. It may take several different patterns to come out on top. Deep water is available in Big Harris and Eustis. March looks to be postspawn for the lakes and could produce some really big bass. This one will be exciting!

Next on the list is the Kissimmee Chain. Big Bass galore! We will see some monsters caught here and some overall huge bags of fish. The fish at this time should be in all phases of the spawn which will make for an interesting tournament. Flipping and Pitching will probably dominate this tournament, soft plastics in the many different types of grass will produce well. Although someone may get on them with a spinnerbait or crankbait and pull out a big win!

Falcon Lake is in my opinion one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year and will yield some huge bags of bass. This fishery has had water level problems in the past but is recovering nicely with single day bags of fish over 30lbs. being caught. Look for fishing crankbaits and flipping soft plastics to be the go to baits on this lake. Flipping the isolated bushes on this lake should bring to the scales some giant bass.

Lake Amistad has become a mainstay for the Elite Series and for good reason. It has produced some huge bags of bass and I am sure it will not let us down this year. This lake provides deep and shallow and each can produce giant bass. Look for the jig to play a huge role in this one and if you love to see swimbaits you had better tune in for this tournament! The water of Lake Amistad is very clear and that has let the hydrilla grow in many areas. Look for the pros to exploit the big bass hideouts in this tournament.

In the next article we will cover the next five tournament stops and how the pros might approach them.

Keywords:  Bassmaster Classic  |  Falcon Lake 

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Most fisherman just throw some baits in a tackle bag and head out to the lake but not us hard core tournament fisherman right? You would be surprised. Tackle organization is critical when the money is on the line. You need to have everything extremely handy because time is ticking. Here are some simple tips to keep you fishing not wishing.

Storage boxes that are labeled can save you a tremendous amount of time when looking for a particular bait. Try and get all your tackle labeled, this is a simple step most anglers overlook. Try storing your baits in certain sizes and colors to make them easier to locate. For example my crankbaits are in order from shallow to deep diving. I know right where to look for any style crankbait that I may need.

Also if you fish alot of what I call “Specialty Rigs” you need to organize them in a specific box or area of your boat. I am talking about Carolina Rigs, Drop Shots, Split Shot Rigs etc. This will make it alot easier when you need to find the right components that make the rig work. Arrange your hooks by size, sinkers by weight and keep an area open for swivels and beads.

Do you use a certain scent attractant? Take the baits you will be using for the day and apply scent to them before heading out. This will save you a great deal of time when putting on a new plastic. The scent will already be applied. This gives you more time to fish. And if it is windy you need to be able to keep your boat in the proper position instead of fumbling with tackle. Also keep the plastics you are using in your pocket or close to you instead of in a compartment somewhere, this will save time.

Also only get the rods on the deck you will need at the time. If you are fishing a reaction bait you should have maybe three rods out max. One in your hand and two follow up rods on the deck. There is no need for ten rods on your deck at any time. Unless you want to show them off to your fishing buddies. Keep organized and you will have more success, look at the Elite Series Pros, do you see them unorganized? No way! That is one of the reasons they are where they are. Organization.

This may seem to some as unimportant but to many of us it has cashed us a check!

Keywords:  Tackle Organization  |  Elite Series Pros 

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I personally use two different reels for throwing big swimbaits. My first choice is the new Pinnacle Vision XLT. With the 13 ball bearing drive this reel will definitely perform when using heavier baits. This reel also has extremely strong gears which is what the strain is on when fishing heavy lures. The drag is also very strong and responds very well when setting the hook on fish. This reel is also very light which can make a difference in feel and comfortability.

The reel I also have great confidence in is the Pinnacle Pro Select. Made of all metal this reel is also very dependable and extremely strong. It is made for handling heavy offerings such as swimbaits and heavy spinnerbaits. Both of these reels are also loaded with Pinnacle’s new centrifugal magnetic cast control mechanism. This really gives the reel the ability to make longer smoother casts when fishing heavy baits without the worry of backlash. Both reels are geared at a 6.2:1 ratio which is perfect for swimbait fishing reels.

Just keep in mind that the heavier your bait the more quality reel you need to support the lure. You are not fishing for average keepers with a swimbait you are looking for a big bite so use a reel that will stand up to the test. Give one of these new Pinnacle Vision XLT or Pro Select Reels a try today and take your swimbait fishing to the next level!

http://www.fishingreeldealz.com/shop/

Keywords:  Swimbait Fishing Reels  |  Fishing Reels 

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Fishing reels of the past could seem complicated and hard to use right? Not any more! Pinnacle’s new lineup of reels all feature the centrifugal magnetic cast control. In a nutshell this system basically eliminates any backlashes you would normally get from other reels. Do you struggle with throwing baits into the wind? Do you wish you could effectively cast small crankbaits and soft plastics with a baitcast reel? These are questions I have asked several people as of late and they all said that they have yet to use a quality baitcast reel that will allow them to make accurate casts in the wind or with small lightweight lures. I then in turn tell them I have the answer. The new line of Pinnacle reels offer features that cater to anglers of diverse fishing skills. Not everyone approaches fishing the same or throws a lure the same exact way as the next guy. Pinnacle realized this and through hard work and innovation created a line of reels to fit everyones style and budget.

I ask you to take the Pinnacle challenge. Give one of these reels a try and I personally believe you will never look back to your old arsenal of reels. You will constantly find yourself picking up the Pinnacle reel in situations where reliability counts. I was not always a believer of Pinnacle either but someone took the time to show me the difference between my old reels and the Pinnacle reels that now line the deck of my Triton. 

The next time you consider buying a new reel take a look at Pinnacle’s lineup. If you are not sure what reel will best fit your style or needs contact us and we will help put the right Pinnacle reel in your hands!

Keywords:  Pinnacle Reels  |  Fishing Reels 

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We will draw our next winner on Valentine’s Day! Enter now and good luck!

Keywords: New Pinnacle Reel   |  Forum 

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Keywords:  Pinnacle Vision XLT  |  Fishing Reels 

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 My most important piece of equipment is my boat. I need to make sure it is ready to withstand long hours and possible rough conditions. My engine is my main focus here. I need to make sure the plugs are in proper working order and my gear lube has been changed. These are the two main reasons for breaking down on the water. Make sure you use premium gear lube for your boats engine. This will help it stay clean and run like never before.

The next thing you need to check is all your pumps and electronics. Make sure your livewell and bilge pump are in good working order. This can be a frustrating end to your day on the water if not properly maintained. Your electronics are also very important for your success in finding key spots to fish. Test them out well and make sure they are working to their potential.

One of the biggest things to make sure you have is fully charged batteries. These can be pricy but well worth their weight in gold. A dead battery can put and end to fishing just like that. Look to buy quality batteries that will last and keep you out there fishing with no worries. I prefer interstate batteries for my boat.

Now you should take a look at your trailer and make sure everything works properly. Your lights are a major factor in your safety while towing. Try to carry extra bulbs and fuses for your lights so you can change them out and get back on the road. Also check your bearings on your wheels to make sure they are properly greased. This is extremely important and can cause major problems for you on the road if not adequately maintained.

Many of the things we discussed here are simple everyday maintenance for some but it is worth taking a look at to keep all of our equipment in good working order. In the next article we will discuss our tackle and how to get our boat organized for tournament fishing.

Keywords:  Bass Fishing  |  Tournament Fishing 

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Rapala Pro Fishing for XBox is a great game to play. It has many different features including a wide variety of fish, equipment and underwater angles to give you the feeling of being there in person! This game has a very reasonable price and would be a great gift for any serious angler.

If you were lucky enough to find a Nintendo Wii this year they also make a great interactive game called Rapala Tournament Fishing. This is more for the anglers who love to compete in fishing. It also is designed to keep you active and think your way through the game strategies. It features eleven different places to fish and also has a mode for the non tournament angler for a more relaxed experience. This game retails for around $39.

If you prefer the on the go games the game Boy Advance system has introduced a game called American Bass Challenge. This game may have a cartoon look but the complexity of the game can be a challenge. It is great for anglers and kids who love to fish. This game even features a GPS and fish finder to help locate good fish! This game features many different options from lure selection to the type of lake you wish to fish on. This is a great on the go game!

If you need to find something different for the angler in your family try out one of these fishing games. It is fun for the whole family!

keywords Fishing Games  |  Nintendo Wii 

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I can remember a day many summers ago when I was on a small lake in West Virginia and I was getting bites but not nearly catching as many fish as I knew where there. I immediately reached into my storage compartment on my boat and grabbed a five inch version of the same bait I was fishing. It was lights out! Over twenty fish later I realized by simply downsizing my bait I was able to entice the same group of fish that saw my seven inch version only moments ago into biting without hesitation. I guess if you think about it we do not always want a double cheeseburger, sometimes just a small little hamburger will cure our hunger or look more appetizing to us. The same applies with fish and their outlook on feeding.

The good thing about downsizing is that it works everywhere in the world. I have yet to fish a body of water that in some way downsizing helped to put fish in the boat. You can downsize anything from spinnerbaits to soft plastics. There are also many times when a smaller profile spinnerbait will get more attention than the normal large size spinnerbaits. I feel it is time to downsize when I am getting bites with no hookups or no bites at all. This usually means that my bait is not the right size that the fish are keying on.

When downsizing soft plastics I like to use spinning gear with lighter line when the conditions allow. Spinning gear lets me make more accurate casts with smaller baits and I am able to feel the bites better. Remember to downsize everything about your setup. The hook, weight and bait all need to match up to make this effective.

My favorite baits to downsize are small finesse worms, spinnerbaits and topwaters. You may get alot more smaller fish to commit to your bait but it’s better than not catching fish at all, especially if the money is on the line. If you find yourself struggling to catch fish on your next trip try downsizing your baits, it may just salvage your day!

Keywords:  Downsize  |  Spinning Gear 

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I am not big on wanting many things when it comes to Christmas but the number one gift to me would be something I could use in the outdoors. My wife always seems to spoil me when it comes to fishing. She really supports my passion for fishing and loves to see me enjoy the sport. Let’s take a look at some fail safe fishing gifts.

It’s always good to have the newest baits on the market. So I recommend a grab bag type gift that contains different baits that have just been released such as new spinnerbaits, worms and crankbaits. Just take a look at the tackle of the person you are buying for and buy the same types of colors that you see they use. This gift will definitely please!

Of course a good rod and reel combo will always be a great gift. May I recommend the new Pinnacle Pro Series Reels matched with a Pinnacle Scion Titanium rod. Sounds expensive right? Well, It can be purchased very reasonably right here at FishingReelDealz.com! This combo is normally $250.00 dollars plus in stores but the price here is only $180.00 Just leave us an email in the “shop” section for ordering.

If you have someone who is a boat owner I recommend checking with the local marinas for boat detailers. A boat could always need a good cleaning and this makes a perfect gift that will not break the bank. Also a good GPS sonar unit is an awesome gift for the holidays. These can get pricy but will only enhance your favorite fisherman’s ability to catch fish. I recommend Lowrance or Hummingbird when it comes to searching for sonar units.

You cannot go wrong with giving the gift of fishing apparel for Christmas. A good Gortex fishing suit is a great choice for anyone who loves to fish. If they like to tournament fish a new tournament fishing shirt can be a perfect gift fot the holidays. Looking good while fishing makes up for a bad day catching!

I hope this has given you some ideas for the fisherman in your family and I hope your Christmas season is the best one yet!

Keywords:  Fishing Gits  |  Hummingbird 

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The Jig is one of the all time greats when it comes to catching quality fish. The Jig has been altered here an there to make it more fishable but the concept has stayed the same. It provides anglers with a bait that looks natural to fish and can be worked in any type of cover or depth. In recent years I have really started using finesse approaches with my Jigs. I am hooked on the small 1/4 to 3/16 oz. Jigs for picking up keepers on tough water. A small Jig really appeals to lazy fish due to it’s unchallenging size and profile. Bass tend to strike more at small offerings when the pressure is on a lake. 

Fishing Jigs just use to consist of heavy lead and a good imitating trailer to try and target bigger fish. Today many Jigs are made with better quality components such as tungsten and ultra sharp, super strong hooks. This has made them more effective and also more expensive. Although the price of a jig is still considerably less than a good quality crankbait or spinnerbait it has risen in price but is still worth it’s weight in gold to many anglers. A Jig should always be a consideration no matter what time of year or lake you are fishing. There is always a time and place for a Jig. Denny Brauer would definitely amen that! He has won more money on a Jig than anybody that has ever tied one on to a line. If you want to learn to fish a Jig just watch Denny for a while and you will see him do things with a Jig you did not know where possible.

In recommending what Jigs to use I would have to say I really like the Booyah line of Jigs. They are very well made and also put out a great profile when fished. Strike King has always made a great Jig in the Pro Model series. Tungsten Jigs although pricey, create a great sound and are worth the money. A Jig is complimented by what trailer is used with it. A trailer should always be added for better appeal and to make it look more natural. This is something you will need to experiment with to find what works for you in the water you fish. I also recommend trying different sizes and styles. A small finesse approach is hard to beat anywhere.

Fishing Jigs can result in a full livewell time after time so make sure and gain as much knowledge as possible about these warriors of the water. Remember, there is always a time and a place for a Jig!

Keywords:  Denny Bruaer  |  Fishing Jigs 

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The last thing I need after spending countless hours in the garage getting ready for a trip is to leave something out that may make my fishing adventure a disaster! I know a guy who got all the way to the lake and realized he had forgotten to put his boat keys in the boat! That can make for a bad morning to say the least. I recommend keeping your boat keys in a place where you will definitely look before leaving for a day on the lake. I once lost the coder pin inside my trolling motor which if you don’t know by now will ruin a good day of fishing instantly. I tried to make one from a hook but I would not recommend that remedy! These are things that could have been avoided by a little more preparation.

Always take along a safety repair kit, you never know what may become lose or need tools applied to them. I also recommend stocking up on extra parts such as an extra trolling motor blade and coder pins! I also never go out on the water without food and water. If you become stuck for any reason you will be glad you packed a snack! You need to check your fire extinguisher regularly and always have it handy. It has saved my home on one occasion. Make sure you always have your life vests handy and in good shape. I know this sounds funny but overlooking the small things may cost you your life.

Try and keep a medical kit in your boat also in case of an emergency. Many things can happen while on the water that can cause you to hurt yourself. You will also be able to render assistance to other boats that may be in trouble or have someone injured. Always keep a directory of telephone numbers that will get you assistance if needed while on the water. I personally always program the phone numbers of any marinas that are located on the lake I am fishing.

When it comes to fishing gear in general always have extras of everything that you often need. Pliers, clippers, golden rule or whatever it is that could ruin your day of fishing if it comes up missing. This can be really frustrating especially when the money is on the line.

Safety and preparation are of the utmost importance on every trip. Stay prepared and focused on your each and every trip and you will become a better angler!

Keywords:  Fishing Gear  |  Medical Kit 

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The first lure we will take a look at is the new ABT Lures Shad Rip Bait. This is another great lure made by Allen Borden and will offer alot in the world of jointed swimbaits. The new Shad Rip Bait will come in a perfect 4 inch size and will be available in 14 color choices. It’s style will be great for working around stumps, laydowns and submerged grass. Soon to follow this dynamic lure will be ABT’s first soft plastic swimbait line.

The next bait that will see alot of action this coming year will be the new FoodSource Lures, Little Warrior. This compact flipping and pitching machine has great characteristics and a great look in the water. It is made in a 3 inch version to appeal to bass in every lake and river. The Little Warrior is made of 100% real food making it biodegradable. FoodSource Lures are becoming very popular in both fresh and saltwater fishing.

My favorite jig for the new season has to be the Jewel Bait Company’s new Football Jig. It is made to get down in the nastiest places you could imagine throwing a jig. The 1 ounce size makes it heavy enough to penetrate even the thickest of grass. It also features a 5/0 Mustad hook for great hooksetting power. Jewel Jigs are well known by the finesse fisherman but now they have mastered the world of heavy jigging with the new 1 ounce Football Jig.

Like to frog fish? Check out the new Spro Bronzeye King Daddy! This new 3/4 oz. floating frog is made just like it’s smaller siblings the Dean Rojas Bronzeye Frog and Bronzeye Jr. This new King Daddy will keep your heart pounding when you work it through your favorite frogging territory! We know it’s made by one of the best frog manufactures in the country so it will definitely stand tall this year.

Rounding out my favorite new baits is the Yum Big Show Craw. The nice thing about this new bait is it’s ability to penetrate almost any type cover without much effort due to it’s design. The legs are folded in to make the craw look very similar to a fleeing crawfish when it hit’s the water and starts it’s fall to the bottom. We know how effective a good craw can be by taking a look at Terry Scroggins tournament past! This should be one of the hottest new baits for 2008!

It is always exciting to see the years new products and anticipate their impact on our year. Hopefully this has given you an idea of what to expect this year and how you need to stock your box!

Keywords:  Shad Rip Bait  |  Jewel Jigs 

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Everyone loves to see big rubs and scrapes, I know it get’s me fired up! Many people only look for these obvious signs but there are many things to observe to locate the best areas for taking big deer. The only way to really tell if it is prime time is to be in your treestand seeing the rut take place for yourself. This can be quick process for big bucks and many times they will be in and out of peak breeding. I recommend being in your stand once you recognize this peak period is taking place because this is the number one time to score on a monster buck. Don’t get me wrong hunting rub lines and scrape lines will get you some action but lets get more in depth on some small signs that give us an edge.

The number one thing that will give you a good idea that does are coming into estrus is that they will abandon their yearlings. When you see small yearling deer walking around by them selves you better get to the treestand and get ready. Does will kick the young ones out during this time and begin to look for bucks to breed with. This is when I like to do what I call “Hunt the does.” If you find the does you will find the bucks during this time and probably more than one! Position yourself where you know does are traveling and are going to be feeding. Always remember you have to hunt the deer where they are going to be, not where they are. You have to be able to determine where the deer are going to go and how you can take advantage of their mistakes.

One of the best ways if you are able to do it is to have scouting cameras in your hunting locations. This will give you updated information on where and when deer are moving through your areas. You can also tell alot about a deer by the behavior you catch on film. This can give you a great idea of when and how you need to approach your areas. This could be the best invention in years! What a way to unveil the quality of deer that are available to you. I recommend trying one of these awesome scouting devices if you have not already. It will be well worth the time and money spent.

The next time you enter the woods to scout look for things other hunters may overlook and do not rule out areas with not much sign. There is always more to go on.

Keywords:  Mature Bucks  |  Scouting Cameras 

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We know that shellcrackers and other panfish spawn on the moon phases as do walleye. It has not been scientifically proven that bass spawn with the moon, but if you ask some serious bass anglers what they say you will usually get the same answer. I myself believe that bass are extremely affected by the moon and do spawn on new and full moon periods. I fish in Florida all the time and after a new full moon, look out! The big females are going to come shallow to spawn.

Some theorize that gravity levels are different on various moon periods, or that there is some electromagnetic influence. Whatever the reason the moon does seem to affect man and bass alike. Although let’s clarify that not every moon phase will trigger spawning activity, you will of course need the right water temperature for this to take place. The ideal temperature is 60 to 65 degrees. There are many factors that can stop the spawn dead in it’s tracks such as a massive cold front or heavy wind. About fifty percent of the month falls into what is called the strong moon phase, this is the three days before and after a full moon period.

If you do experience some type of weather or phase were the bass pull off the beds look to the closest deep water areas. Bas will not stray far from their nests and can be vulnerable to catch. Look for areas such as slight contour changes or thick grass close to the spawning area. Fish these areas with soft plastics such as a Gitem’ Bug or Warlock. Move slow and make several casts to cover and areas where you believe the bass have positioned themselves. Keep your distance and always work your way in to an area where you believe there is spawning activity.

If you do like to fish for bedding bass try and always keep them healthy and practice catch and release during this time of year. They will return the favor by producing thousands of new bass for you to catch in the future. So whatever you believe the moon phases do or do not affect it’s worth looking into and learning about, more knowledge can never hurt!

Keywords:  Moon Phases  |  bedding bass 

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